Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Vyvanse to treat:

This article describes possible side effects of Vyvanse. You can explore this overview article to learn more about Vyvanse, including the drug’s uses, ways to save on cost, and more.

Vyvanse is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral capsule and a chewable tablet. It’s available in a generic version called lisdexamfetamine. This article describes possible side effects of Vyvanse.

Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction

Vyvanse has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

For details, see the “Misuse and Vyvanse” section below.

More common side effects of Vyvanse

Vyvanse may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of Vyvanse include:

This is not a complete list of side effects. Some side effects may occur more or less often based on the condition being treated.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Vyvanse in detail” section below.

Mild side effects of Vyvanse

Vyvanse may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of Vyvanse that occurred in studies include:

Vyvanse may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Vyvanse in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with Vyvanse. This side effect wasn’t reported in initial studies of Vyvanse. But it has occurred in people after the drug was approved for use.

Serious side effects of Vyvanse

Vyvanse may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Vyvanse, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Vyvanse.

Serious side effects of Vyvanse that occurred in studies include:

* Vyvanse has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Misuse and Vyvanse” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with Vyvanse. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.

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Side effects of Vyvanse in children

For children, doctors prescribe Vyvanse to treat ADHD.  The drug is used for this purpose in children ages 6 years and older.

Stimulants, like Vyvanse, are linked with weight loss and slowed growth in some children. Your doctor will closely monitor your child’s height and weight when prescribing Vyvanse. If a child taking Vyvanse isn’t growing or gaining weight as they should, your doctor may suggest temporarily stopping Vyvanse.

In studies, some side effects were more common in children than in adults, such as:

These side effects varied based on the specific ages of the children in studies. If you’d like to know more about side effects in children taking Vyvanse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Vyvanse in detail” section below.

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Common questions about side effects of Vyvanse

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Vyvanse. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How do side effects of Vyvanse compare with those seen with Adderall?

Overall, side effects of Vyvanse are fairly similar to those seen with Adderall.

Vyvanse and Adderall are both stimulant medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD in adults and some children. Specifically, they are both in a group of drugs known as amphetamines.

Most of the common side effects reported with Vyvanse are also reported with Adderall. These include:

If you have questions about how specific side effects of Vyvanse versus Adderall, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Vyvanse cause different side effects in females vs. males?

Studies of Vyvanse did not report different side effects in females* versus males.* But erectile dysfunction was reported in males taking Vyvanse. Decreased libido (sex drive) was also reported in some patients taking Vyvanse, but the prescribing information doesn’t state whether this sexual side effect occurred in males or females.

In one study involving people taking stimulants, including Vyvanse, females reported certain side effects more often than males. These included loss of appetite, dizziness, and nausea. Males reported other side effects more often, including sweating and sexual side effects, such as loss of sex drive.

*Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.

Do side effects of Vyvanse go away?

Yes, many side effects of Vyvanse go away with time once your body has adjusted to the medication.

In some cases, the dosage of Vyvanse may need to be adjusted to limit side effects. Sometimes adjusting how Vyvanse is taken can also help minimize side effects.

For example, Vyvanse should be taken in the morning. Taking it in the afternoon may increase the risk of trouble sleeping. Or if decreased appetite is a concern, taking Vyvanse after a meal may help. Vyvanse can be taken with or without food.

If you have any side effects that don’t seem to be going away, or if you have concerns, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Vyvanse cause long-term side effects?

Yes, in some cases Vyvanse may cause long-term side effects. Some of these can occur if you take the drug for a long time, and some may last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.

Examples of long-term side effects reported with Vyvanse include:

Like other stimulants, taking Vyvanse long-term can also lead to physical dependence. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function like usual. This can happen even if you take Vyvanse as prescribed.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of Vyvanse may last.

*Vyvanse has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Misuse and Vyvanse” section below.

Misuse and Vyvanse

Like other stimulants, Vyvanse has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. Because of these risks, Vyvanse is a controlled substance in the United States. A controlled substance is a drug the government regulates due to the risk of misuse or dependence.

Vyvanse has a high risk for misuse. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed. Misuse of Vyvanse or other stimulants can lead to overdose and death. This risk goes up with higher doses or when using Vyvanse in ways that aren’t approved by the FDA, such as snorting or injection.

Misuse can also lead to a substance use disorder, including addiction. Addiction occurs when you continue misusing a drug despite it causing harm or wishing you could stop doing so. Withdrawal symptoms can also occur after stopping Vyvanse treatment. Withdrawal describes symptoms that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on.

Due to this risk, your doctor will consider whether you’re at risk for misuse or addiction. They’ll also monitor you for signs and symptoms of misuse or addiction.

Store Vyvanse in a secure place, preferably locked. Do not share Vyvanse with anyone else. And dispose of unused or expired Vyvanse properly.

If you’re concerned about misuse, addiction, or withdrawal with Vyvanse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects of Vyvanse in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Vyvanse.

Insomnia

Insomnia (trouble sleeping) was common in studies involving people taking Vyvanse. This side effect is usually mild and usually goes away with time.

With insomnia, you may not be feeling as well as usual because you aren’t getting the sleep you need. You might have a hard time falling or staying asleep at night, feel sleepy during the day, or not feel refreshed after getting several hours of sleep.

Certain factors can increase the risk of insomnia with Vyvanse. These include taking Vyvanse too late in the day, stress, or changing your sleep habits.

Ways to manage

If you have insomnia or trouble sleeping, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may recommend adjustments to your dosage of Vyvanse. Or they may recommend that you take Vyvanse in the morning if you aren’t already. Taking Vyvanse in the afternoon or later can increase the chances of insomnia.

You can also take other small steps to sleep better. This includes good sleep hygiene, such as having a consistent sleep schedule and exercising regularly, but not within an hour or two of your bedtime.

Irritability

Irritability also was common in people taking Vyvanse in studies. This side effect is usually mild.

With irritability, you may feel agitated, or you may get upset or frustrated more easily than usual.

Certain factors can increase the risk of irritability with Vyvanse. These include missing a dose or taking Vyvanse in a way other than as prescribed. Other factors can also cause irritability, such as certain medical conditions.

In fact, some people may have a “Vyvanse crash,” where they feel irritable several hours after taking the drug, when the effects start to wear off. If Vyvanse is being used to treat ADHD, it may also mean that those symptoms can return.

Ways to manage

Usually, irritability will occur less often over time. But if you experience symptoms of irritability that are bothersome, talk with your doctor. They may recommend that you take the dosage of Vyvanse exactly as prescribed. Or they may adjust the dosage so that you get the most benefit from the drug with few or no side effects. In some cases, they may discuss whether a different treatment may be better for managing your condition.

Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as adjusting your diet and sleep habits or starting stress management practices.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Vyvanse can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect wasn’t reported in initial studies of Vyvanse. But it has occurred in people after the drug was approved for use.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and may include:

  • itchiness
  • skin rash
  • swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Vyvanse, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for Vyvanse

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking Vyvanse.

Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction

Vyvanse has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

For details, see the “Misuse and Vyvanse” section above.

Other warnings

It may not be safe for you to take Vyvanse if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Vyvanse is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking Vyvanse, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

* Vyvanse has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Misuse and Vyvanse” section above.

Vyvanse and pregnancy

Vyvanse should usually not be taken during pregnancy. Taking Vyvanse while pregnant may harm the baby. Patients taking amphetamines, such as Vyvanse, during pregnancy have reported problems such as premature delivery and low birth weight.

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with Vyvanse.

If you take Vyvanse during pregnancy, your doctor may advise you to join the drug’s pregnancy registry. This registry collects information about the risks and benefits of taking Vyvanse while pregnant. To learn more, talk with your doctor. You can also visit the registry website or call 866-961-2388.

Vyvanse and breastfeeding

Vyvanse should not be taken while breastfeeding. Vyvanse passes into breast milk. Currently, no reports are available regarding side effects in breastfed babies. But breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Vyvanse because of possible serious side effects, such as heart problems or growth suppression.

If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with Vyvanse.

Vyvanse and alcohol

Vyvanse is not known to interact with alcohol. But taking Vyvanse with alcohol can be dangerous in some cases.

Vyvanse has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed.

Due to this risk, your doctor will consider whether you’re at risk for misuse or addiction. This includes whether you’ve ever misused alcohol. For details, see the “Misuse and Vyvanse” section above.

See this article for more specifics about possible risks of taking Vyvanse with alcohol.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it when taking Vyvanse.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of Vyvanse. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Are side effects of Vyvanse similar to other stimulants, such as Adderall?
  • How can I lower my risk of side effects from Vyvanse?
  • Will I have more side effects if my dosage of Vyvanse is increased?
  • Do side effects of Vyvanse usually go away with time, or can they last long term?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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